[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 101 (Thursday, July 1, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1270]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            INDIAN PUEBLO CULTURAL CENTER CLARIFICATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 29, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the Native American 
Caucus, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4445, the Indian Pueblo 
Cultural Center Clarification Act.
  First, I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader 
Hoyer for their leadership in bringing this important bill to the 
floor. My colleague Congresswoman Heinrich, the author of this 
legislation, has worked hard to ensure that the Indian Pueblo Cultural 
Center is considered a part of tribal lands.
  The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a vital part of Pueblo history 
in New Mexico. Its mission is to preserve and perpetuate Pueblo culture 
and to advance understanding by presenting the accomplishments and 
evolving history of the Pueblo people of New Mexico. While the Pueblo 
people are located primarily in New Mexico, at one time the Pueblo's 
homeland reached into the states of Colorado and Arizona. Pueblo people 
rooted in this region of the southwest are descendants of an indigenous 
Native American culture that has established itself over many 
centuries.
  H.R. 4445, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Clarification Act, would 
strike a provision in current law which prohibits the Indian Pueblo 
Cultural Center in New Mexico from being considered ``Indian Country.'' 
When this provision is removed, it will give the Cultural Center the 
same tax-exempt status as other tribal trust lands and would prohibit 
the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department from levying taxes on 
Pueblo members who engage in business at the center. In addition, the 
legislation will prohibit any gaming from being conducted on the 
transferred property.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 4445 because it makes an 
important correction to current law so that the Indian Pueblo Cultural 
Center can now be considered tax-exempt. This vital piece of New 
Mexican and Pueblo Indian Culture deserves our full support.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4445. 
I yield the remainder of my time.

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